Josh Bailey
A durable and dependable playmaking winger who became the heart-and-soul embodiment of the New York Islanders' identity for over a decade.
Born 1989 (age 37)·Canadian ice hockey player·Birthday: October 2·Millennials
Biography
Josh Bailey's story is one of quiet consistency and loyalty in a league often defined by change. Drafted ninth overall by the New York Islanders in 2008, he arrived during a period of organizational turmoil. Instead of being overwhelmed, Bailey evolved, transforming from a promising prospect into a versatile, two-way forward and a crucial piece of the team's core. His game wasn't defined by flashy highlights, but by smart passes, responsible defense, and a knack for timely scoring. He weathered the team's move from Long Island to Brooklyn and back, becoming a bridge between eras and a steadying influence for younger stars. Bailey's tenure culminated in the Islanders' unexpected and thrilling runs to the conference finals in 2020 and 2021, where his experience and poise were invaluable. His 15-season run with a single franchise stands as a testament to his adaptability and value.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Josh was born in 1989, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Josh Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Josh's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played over 1,000 NHL games, the vast majority with the New York Islanders franchise.
- Recorded a career-high 71 points (18 goals, 53 assists) during the 2017-18 season.
- Was a key contributor to the Islanders' consecutive appearances in the NHL Eastern Conference Finals in 2020 and 2021.
- Served as an alternate captain for the Islanders, reflecting his leadership role within the team.
Did You Know?
He was drafted directly from the Ontario Hockey League's Windsor Spitfires and made his NHL debut at age 19.
Bailey and John Tavares, both drafted by the Islanders in 2008 and 2009 respectively, were longtime linemates and close friends.
He holds the Islanders' record for most games played by a forward in the franchise's history.
“I just show up, work hard, and try to be reliable every night.”
